Across our posts, we have consistently emphasized the significance of Theatre as a community: thinking about the Platonic love of an acting troupe, the different ways in which every child can contribute to a production, and even the various theatre games which help foster an enhanced sense of camaraderie and trust.
In undertaking any formidable enterprise ― such as the creation of a production, working with an entire cast, and technical production team ― it is key to emphasize that each action has value. (Just as, in fact, every one of Shakespeare’s words and roles has value!) Such large-scale endeavours are accomplished on a daily basis through responsible decisions and supportive gestures; moments in which an individual chooses kindness when it might be just as easy to focus on themselves.
As Portia, a lawyer who seeks to right a wrong, observes in The Merchant of Venice, “How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world” (Act 5, Scene 1).
It is understood that while young actors may not be exactly “naughty”, there will be days when they will need to be reminded to make thoughtful choices: Is there an opportunity to help a fellow thespian run their lines, or to calm a bout of stage fright with a reassuring word? Might there be a point to reflect on a careless action that has slowed down a rehearsal or distracted another cast member? In the past, our children would always declare “The play’s the thing!” in such moments; lately, we have started to remind each other to “light a candle!” when things get a little challenging.
The performance itself is an admirable shared goal, and we all want our children to have their moment in the spotlight ― and it is equally true that such success emerges from the light of many glorious little candles along the way.
©2023